A Selection of Abstracts Presented at the 44th Annual Conference of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA), May 8–11, 2016, Bloem Spa Hotel and Conference Centre, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa

AbstractAtmospheric circulation is a vital process in the transport of heat, moisture, and pollutants around the globe. The variability of rainfall depends to some extent on the atmospheric circulation. This paper investigates synoptic situations in southern Africa that can be associated with wet days and dry days in Free State, South Africa, in addition to the underlying dynamics. Principal component analysis was applied to the T-mode matrix (variable is time series and observation is grid points at which the field was observed) of daily mean sea level pressure field from 1979 to 2018 in classifying the circulation patterns in southern Africa. 18 circulation types (CTs) were classified in the study region. From the linkage of the CTs to the observed rainfall data, from 11 stations in Free State, it was found that dominant austral winter and late austral autumn CTs have a higher probability of being associated with dry days in Free State. Dominant austral summer and late austral spring CTs were found to have a higher probability of being associated with wet days in Free State. Cyclonic/anti-cyclonic activity over the southwest Indian Ocean, explained to a good extent, the inter-seasonal variability of rainfall in Free State. The synoptic state associated with a stronger anti-cyclonic circulation at the western branch of the South Indian Ocean high-pressure, during austral summer, leading to enhanced low-level moisture transport by southeast winds was found to have the highest probability of being associated with above-average rainfall in most regions in Free State. On the other hand, the synoptic state associated with enhanced transport of cold dry air, by the extratropical westerlies, was found to have the highest probability of being associated with (winter) dryness in Free State.

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Risk in agriculture, Annual conference of the agricultural economics association of Southern Africa, University of the Orange Free State, Bloem‐fontein, 25‐27 September, 1989

Development Southern Africa ◽

10.1080/03768358908439493 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 515-521

Author(s):

T I Fényes

Keyword(s):

Southern Africa ◽

Agricultural Economics ◽

Free State ◽

Annual Conference ◽

Africa University

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Trends in pharmacotherapy selection for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal in the Free State Province, South Africa

South African Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v19i4.460 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 5

Author(s):

Paulina M Van Zyl ◽

Carlo A Gagiano ◽

Willie F Mollentze ◽

Jacques S Snyman ◽

Gina Joubert

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Alcohol Withdrawal ◽

Real Life ◽

Therapeutic Benefit ◽

Free State ◽

Prescribing Practices ◽

Related Condition ◽

Free State Province ◽

Medical Practitioners ◽

Selection Of

Background.The selection of pharmacotherapy for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal remains a clinical challenge. Research continues into the underlying pathophysiology of dependence and withdrawal. A spectrum of clinical presentations of alcohol dependence is emerging, yet recommendations and guidelines have remained unchanged for some time. Objectives. To engage with the problem of translating research into practice, as reflected by the selection of pharmacotherapy for alcohol withdrawal by medical practitioners in the Free State Province, South Africa.Methods. A questionnaire-based survey and interviews were conducted among 121 professionals in both the private and public sectors across the province. A subgroup was formed comprising the 58 doctors who indicated that they prescribe for alcohol withdrawal. Participants worked in private general practice, specialist psychiatry practice, in a state hospital or in a treatment centre.Results. Prescribing practices varied based on practitioners’ geographical distribution and professional capacity. Deviation from standard recommendations included the routine use of clothiapine and antidepressants in withdrawal regimens. Prescribing clothiapine appears to be a local custom. While prescription of antidepressants may indicate unrealistic expectations of therapeutic benefit, there are clear indications that this is maintained to mask the diagnosis of an alcohol-related condition. Prescribing for alcohol withdrawal is therefore not necessarily determined by pathophysiology or efficacy of medication.Conclusion. Withdrawal regimens need to be reassessed by researchers, policy makers and funders, balancing new developments with the real-life experiences and challenges of prescribers and their patients.

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